I recently experimented with using Midjourney to create an image for a blog post. While the process itself was enjoyable, I found that the resulting image was of low quality and contained random elements that didn’t make sense. With Midjourney, I received four square images as output and could request different versions of each. I was initially frustrated by the limitation of only being able to generate square images, which was not suitable for my blog posts. However, I later discovered that adding image dimensions to the prompt could create non-square images.
In my research for this article, I learned that Midjourney had released a new feature called Inpainting at the end of August 2023, allowing users to selectively edit parts of the image. This experience highlighted the challenges that non-techy individuals face when using tech tools like AI, and I couldn’t fault the technology for that.
One subscription that I find worth paying for is ChatGPT+, priced at $20 a month. ChatGPT has become a game-changer in the AI landscape, with over 100 million active users. While some writers may criticize ChatGPT for its limitations in creative work, I have found it to be valuable for tasks such as summarizing information, finding synonyms, and streamlining research. It has become my go-to tool for brainstorming and formatting assistance.
As a ghostwriter, I rely on tools like Otter.ai for transcribing interviews with authors. While the transcripts are generally accurate, I have encountered glitches and privacy concerns with the platform. Despite its drawbacks, I continue to search for the perfect automated tool that can provide seamless transcription without any unwanted features.
Ultimately, my experience with various AI tools has taught me the importance of staying true to my own voice and preferences. While these tools can be helpful, it’s essential to prioritize authenticity and personal style. As I reflect on my use of different tools, I have compiled a list of the most ridiculous, expensive, valuable, glitchy, and consistent ones I have encountered.
In the end, I decided to revert to using a simple vacation snapshot as my profile picture and reached out to a friend who excels at capturing my best angles and expressions. It turns out, she is available for hire as a photographer, providing a personal touch that no AI tool can replicate.
